Middle East may not be first place travellers or backpackers taken into account in deciding on their next trip, but the region is full of places to visit. Obtaining a visa is usually an easy process for those from most Western countries. Advance planning for your visa might be unnecessary, as you can get it as soon as you arrive at the airport in Turkey.
Istanbul is the most famous city of the Turkey, and it is not surprising since it is teeming with history, culture and food. The city has an extensive public transportation and taxi, and reliable services making it easy for travellers to get there and move. There is plenty of shopping to do in Grand Bazaar, and according to the how much you want to explore, you could make several trips back. It is the oldest market covered in the world and massive in proportion. The Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya) mosque are unavoidable when you visit in Istanbul. The Hagia Sofia mosque was a church in the Byzantine domination and was later converted into a mosque when the Ottoman Empire conquered the city. Researchers continue to discover paintings and relics from the old church hidden under the walls of the mosque. As with any other large city, Istanbul can be expensive for tourists. Backpackers on a budget have many other options and towns go elsewhere in Turkey.
Van is located in the eastern part of the country on the eastern shore of the Lake of Van. One of the most popular destinations in Van is Akdamar Island, one of the four islands located in the Lake of Van. The island has Akdamar Church, a historic Armenian Church.
If Van seems to be too far East for you, Ankara and Cappadocia are located in the central part of the country and have much to offer travellers. Ankara is the capital of the Turkey and often neglected to Istanbul. Ankara is not generally considered a tourist town, as it has two main sites (Anitkabir and Atakule). You can interact with and feel more, like a local in Ankara, as you would on the animated Istanbul streets.
Located approximately 3.5 hours of Ankara, Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage. Cappadocia consists of formations formed entirely by the natural erosion of the water and volcanic lava, and evidence of underground entire cities and houses built in the rocks dating back centuries. There are several hotels located ideally in the homes of rock of Cappadocia, and they offer relatively good accommodation markets outside the month tourist peak.
People can pass also walking the Middle East, but the Turkey and other places of the region have an affordable price and rich stories and cultures to offer travellers. The Turkey is inviting for tourists, it is relatively easy to go hassle and travelling throughout the country is also easy to manage. It is where East meets West, so Turkey is practical to add to your route travel you in Europe or passing over Asia and Africa.
Anil Polat is full-time traveler currently in the writing of his experiences in the Middle East hiking Guide.
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